Metal strip coil changing device

ABSTRACT

A device for use in conjunction with automatic presses having dies with a vertical plane of pressing. The device comprises a rotary platform with two overhanging mandrels one of which is vertical and the other horizontal. When the platform turns about an axis coinciding with the bisector of the angle between the mandrels, the mandrels change places. The device is provided with a movable carriage for bringing the next strip coil to the horizontal mandrel so that the axis of this coil coincides with the axis of the horizontal mandrel, while the metal strip of the coil mounted on the vertical mandrel is unreeled and fed into the automatic press.

United States atent Sarkisov et a1.

1 1 Mar. 11, 1975 1 1 METAL STRIP COIL CHANGING DEVICE [76] lnventors: Rafael Tevosovich Sarkisov, ulitsa Aga-Neimatula, 20a, kv. 28; Ernst Arakelovich Stepanian, ulitsa Druzhby Molodezhi. 2, kv. 36; Valentin Grigorievich Bondarenko, Leningradsky prospekt, 115 kv. 1 1, all of Baku, U.S.S.R.

[22 Filed: May 29, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 364,401

[521 U.S. C1. 242/80 5| Int. Cl. 1321c 47/00 |58| l ieltl ol Search 242/70 80 l5tt| References (itetl UNl'l'liD S'lA'l'ES PAIEN'IS 2.202883 6/1940 Yoder 242/691 B 2.506880 5/1950 Ligler 242/80 '25 l 1 l l 2,506,881 5/1950 Ligler 242/80 Primary ExaminerEdward J. McCarthy [57] ABSTRACT A device for use in conjunction with automatic presses having dies with a vertical plane of pressing. The device comprises a rotary platform with two overhanging mandrels one of which is vertical and the other horizontal; When the platform turns about an axis coinciding with the bisector of the angle between the mandrels, the mandrels change places. The device is provided with a movable carriage for bringing the next strip coil to the horizontal mandrel so that the axis otthis coil coincides with the axis of the horilotttal mandrel while the metal strip ol the coil mounted on the vertical mandrel is unreeled-and led into the auto matic press.

4 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures LATENTEDHAR 1 1 IUFS SHKET 2 BF 2 The present invention relates to sheet stamping equipment, and particularly to devices for changing metal strip coils with a weight of over 100 kg and feeding the strip through a straightener and a synchronizing loop into an automatic press wherein the strip is pressed in dies having a vertical plane of pressing. The equipment of the invention can be employed in automatic presses for blanking out stator and rotor sheets of the magnetic circuits of electric motors.

It is well known that using a continuous metal strip has certain advantages over the employment of separate strips, since it enables saving the material, raising the output of the automatic presses by eliminating idle strokes, and to eliminating laborious auxiliary operations, such as cutting the sheet into separate strips, piling the strips into strictly oriented stacks, and feeding the stacks to the automatic presses.

Known in the art are metal strip coil changing devices having a horizontal radial mandrel with a mechanism to fix the coil thereon, and a carriage movable in the direction of said mandrel and carrying the standby coil whose axis is aligned with the axis of said mandrel.

As the coil previously secured on the horizontal radial mandrel by the fixing mechanism runs out, the next coil is brought to the mandrel by the movable carriage and is secured thereon by the fixing mechanism.

Also known are devices for unreeling metal strip coils, comprising a platform rotatable about a vertical axis and having two horizontal radial mandrels. While the strip coil fixed on one mandrel is being unreeled, the next coil is being mounted on the other mandrel by means of a carriage. Each mandrel is provided witha coil fixing mechanism.

The known devices are intended for one in conjunction with automatic presses having a horizontal plane of pressing, such as the well-known blanking presses of L.Schuler, GmbH, Maschinenfabric, Weingarten, serving to blank out stator and rotor sheets of the magnetic circuits of electric motors.

At present there became known and promoted in industry automatic presses having a vertical plane of pressing, i.e., automatic presses wherein the movable die is moved horizontally. These presses are mainly intended for automatic blanking of annular components of electrical grade sheet steel, and, as a rule, comprise two die sets located one above the other. The strip is fed into the upper die set, and the remaining central portion of the annular component blanked out therein is delivered into the lower die set.

The design of these presses requires that the metal strip be fed into the pressing zone on its edge, i.e., it should move horizontally in a vertical plane. Hence, the unreeling device should have a design that will provide for the metal strip coil being unreeled in the vertical plane. It is also necessary that the standby mandrel should maintain a substantially horizontal axis of rotation, since in such a position it is easier to mount thereon the next coil from the carriage by the conventional method.

Thus, the presently known strip coil unreeling devices cannot be employed with dies having a vertical plane of pressing.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for changing metal strip coils with a weight of over 100 kg, which will enable convenient unreeling of the metal strip into dies with a vertical pressing plane. Another object of the present invention is to provide a metal strip coil changing device, which will afford rapid shifting of the standby coil into working position.

One more object of the invention is to provide a metal strip coil changing device which will allow reducing the standing time of the automatic press.

With these and other objects in view, in a device for changing coils of metal strip having a weight of over 100 kg which is fed into an automatic press with a vertical plane of pressing, comprising a platform with a horizontal radial mandrel and a mechanism to fix the coil on this mandrel, and a carriage movable in the dircction of said mandrel and carrying a standby coil whose axis is aligned with the axis of said mandrel, according to the invention, for the purpose of unreeling the coil about the vertical axis, there is provided on the platform a radial mandrel directed vertically upwards, and the platform is adapted to turn about the bisector of the angle formed by the both radial mandrels, so that-after each turn the previously vertical mandrel occupies a horizontal position coaxial with the standby coil, while the previously horizontal mandrel together with the coil takes a vertical position.

The present invention permits rapid turning of the metal strip coil from the horizontal standby position into the vertical working position, at the same time maintaining the convenience of placing the standby coil from the carriage onto the horizontal mandrel. Employment of the present invention in conjunction with automatic presses having a vertical plane of pressing makes it possible to cut the standing time of these presses while the strip coils are being replaced.

Additionally, the present invention ensures automatic engagement of the drive by the coil fixing mechanism of the radial mandrel which after the turn of the platform takes the horizontal position.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment thereof with references to the. appended drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an elevation view of the metal strip coil changing device according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view thereof;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the platform shown in FIG. 1 taken on lines IIIIII;

FIG. 4 shows part ofthe fixing arrangement (as designated at A in FIG. 3); and

FIG. 5 shows the design of one of the mandrels (section V-V in FIG. 2). I

The strip coil changing device consists of a platform 1 (FIGS. 1, 2, 3) with two radial mandrels 2, 3 arranged at an angle of relative to each other. Platform 1 is secured on an output shaft 4 of a rotation mechanism 5. Platform 1 is mounted so that its axis of rotation 6 is directed at an angle of 45 to the vertical and is disposed in the same vertical plane with the axes of mandrels 2, 3 mounted on platform 1.

The platform is provided with two fixing arrangements 7 (FIG. 3) each of which comprises a roller 8 biased by a spring 9. When the platform 1 is in operating position rollers 8 are held in the recesses of shaped straps 10 (FIG.4) which are affixed on the housing of the rotation mechanism 5.

Each of mandrels 2, 3 (FIGS) has a body 11 whith three axial ports extending up to the end face of the mandrel and serving to permit plates 12 to pass therethrough. The body 11 of the mandrel is fixed on a flanged sleeve 13 which rotates inside a flanged support 14 secured on the platform 1. A back nut 15 prevents axial displacement of the flanged sleeve 13 inside the flanged support 14. This assembly is provided with two needle bearings 16 and 17, and two thrust ball bearings 18, 19.

Each plate 12 is connected through two pairs of drag links 20 to a carriage 21. The drag links 20 are hingedly secured to the plates and the carriage. The carriage 21 is seated on a central'axle 22 of the mandrel 2 and slides along a guide key 23. The axle 22 is retained by the key 23.

When the carriage 21 moves rightwards (i.e., away from the flanged sleeve,'FlG.5), plates 12 emerge from their respective ports in the body 11 of the mandrel. When the carriage 21 moves leftwards (i.e., toward the flanged sleeve), plates 12 are retracted inside the body 11. During these movements plates 12 slide in guide slots provided in the flanged sleeve 13 and in straps 24 attached to the end face of the body 11 ofthe mandrel.

The carriage 21 is connected through rods 25 to a nut 26 which interacts with a drive screw 27. This screw 27 is located inside the flanged sleeve, and its free end carries a bevel gear 28. When the axis of the mandrel takes a horizontal position, bevel gear 28 engages a bevel pinion-shaft 29 which is driven by an electric motor 30 located in the housing of the rotation mechanism 5.

Each mandrel is provided witha braking arrangement comprising a brake ring 31 secured on the flanged sleeve 13 and embraced by two brake shoes 32 which are fixed on the flanged support 14. The shoes 32 are compressed by a spring 33 which presses shoes 32 against the brake ring 31 and is operated by a handle 34.

Each of mandrels 2 and 3 is fitted with three changeable check plates 35 which are fixed on the flanged sleeve 13 and regulate the position of the strip coil on the mandrel.

The rotary platform is turned about the axis 6 by an electric motor 36 which is mounted on the housing of the rotation mechanism 5.

The described device operates as follows.

Before placing the strip coil on the empty mandrel shifted to the horizontal position, plates 12 of this mandrel should be retracted in the body 11. For this purpose the motor 30 (FlG.1) is energized to rotate the bevel pinion 29 which is in mesh with the bevel gear 28 secured on the drive screw 27. This causes leftward progressive movement of nut 26 (F165) and carriage 21 connected therewith by rods 25. As a result, plates 12, which through the drag links 20 are in connection with carriage 21, move towards the axle 22 of the mandrel 2, i.e., they are retracted in the body 11.

A next strip coil (not shown) is mounted on the horizontal mandrel to abut against the changeable check plates 35 which are attached to the flange of the sleeve 13 and regulate the position of the coil relative to the mandrel 2.

By reversing the rotation of the motor 30 the direction of rotation of the drive screw 27 and, accordingly, the direction of movement of carriage 21 are changed, the latter starting to move rightwards (FlG.5), and the plates 12 emerge from the body 11 of the mandrel so as to rigidly fix the coil on the mandrel.

To brake the mandrel during the rotation of its drive screw 27, the brake of the mandrel is actuated by the handle 34. After the coil is fixed on the mandrel, the electric motor 30 is turned off, and the electric motor 36 is energized to drive the platform 1.

When the platform has been turned l, the electric motor 36 is deenergized. The mandrel with the strip coil is now in the vertical position, and the bevel gear 28 of this mandrel is disengaged from the bevel pinion 29.

The fixed positions of the platform are secured by fixtures 7.

By turning handle 34, the brake of the mandrel shifted to the vertical position is made inoperative, and a small amount of the strip is unwound and advanced into the straightener (not shown in the drawings), whereupon the brake of this mandrel is actuated again.

The positive unreeling of the strip from the drum is effected by the straightener whose pull is sufficient to overcome the resistance of the mandrel brake. The latter also ensures uniform rotation of the mandrel and prevents unreeling of the coil on disappearance of the pull.

After the straightener, the metal strip forms a loop in the looper and enters the pressing zone of the automatic press.

While the metal strip coil is unreeled from the vertical mandrel, a new coil is being mounted on the horizontal mandrel. As soon as the unreeling is completed, the electric motor 36 is energized to turn the platform l80 about axis 6. The end of the metal strip of the new coil shifted to the vertical position is advanced into the straightener. Operation of the automatic press continues after a short break.

What we claim is:

l. A device for changing coils of metal strip having a weight of over kg which strip is fed into an automatic press with a vertical plane of pressing, said device comprising: a platform with radial mandrels, one of which is horizontal and carries a standby coil, and the other is directed vertically upwards and carries the coil being unreeled; means for securing said coils on said mandrels; a carriage movable in the direction of said horizontal mandrel and mounting said standby coil so as to align its axis with the axis of said horizontal mandrel, means connecting said carriage with said means securing said coils on the mandrels such that with the carriage in one position the coils are secured on the mandrel whereas in a second position the coils are loose on the mandrel, said first and second positions being disposed axially along the mandrel, means for axially displacing said carriage between said positions, said means for axially displacing said carriage comprising a rotatable drive, and means threadably connecting said carriage to said drive such that upon rotation of said drive said carriage is correspondingly displaced axially between said positions, and means for turning said platform about the bisector of the angle formed by said radial mandrels, such that after each turn of the platform the previously vertical mandrel assumes the horizontal position coaxial with said standby coil, and the previously horizontal mandrel together with its standby coil secured thereon assumes the vertical position.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said means for securing the coils on the mandrels comprises plates which are radially displaceable between retracted and extended positions, said means which connects the carriage to said coil securing means comprising drag links 4. A device as claimed in claim 1 comprising means connected to said carriage and to said plates. for activating said rotatable drive only with the mandrel 3. A device as claimed in claim 2 comprising means in the horizontal position.

for braking said mandrel when said drive is rotated. 

1. A device for changing coils of metal strip having a weight of over 100 kg which strip is fed into an automatic press with a vertical plane of pressing, said device comprising: a platform with radial mandrels, one of which is horizontal and carries a standby coil, and the other is directed vertically upwards and carries the coil being unreeled; means for securing said coils on said mandrels; a carriage movable in the direction of said horizontal mandrel and mounting said standby coil so as to align its axis with the axis of said horizontal mandrel, means connecting said carriage with said means securing said coils on the mandrels such that with the carriage in one position the coils are secured on the mandrel whereas in a second position the coils are loose on the mandrel, said first and second positions being disposed axially along the mandrel, means for axially displacing said carriage between said positions, said means for axially displacing said carriage comprising a rotatable drive, and means threadably connecting said carriage to said drive such that upon rotation of said drive said carriage is correspondingly displaced axially between said positions, and means for turning said platform about the bisector of the angle formed by said radial mandrels, such that after each turn of the platform the previously vertical mandrel assumes the horizontal position coaxial with said standby coil, and the previously horizontal mandrel together with its standby coil secured thereon assumes the vertical position.
 1. A device for changing coils of metal strip having a weight of over 100 kg which strip is fed into an automatic press with a vertical plane of pressing, said device comprising: a platform with radial mandrels, one of which is horizontal and carries a standby coil, and the other is directed vertically upwards and carries the coil being unreeled; means for securing said coils on said mandrels; a carriage movable in the direction of said horizontal mandrel and mounting said standby coil so as to align its axis with the axis of said horizontal mandrel, means connecting said carriage with said means securing said coils on the mandrels such that with the carriage in one position the coils are secured on the mandrel whereas in a second position the coils are loose on the mandrel, said first and second positions being disposed axially along the mandrel, means for axially displacing said carriage between said positions, said means for axially displacing said carriage comprising a rotatable drive, and means threadably connecting said carriage to said drive such that upon rotation of said drive said carriage is correspondingly displaced axially between said positions, and means for turning said platform about the bisector of the angle formed by said radial mandrels, such that after each turn of the platform the previously vertical mandrel assumes the horizontal position coaxial with said standby coil, and the previously horizontal mandrel together with its standby coil secured thereon assumes the vertical position.
 2. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said means for securing the coils on the mandrels comprises plates which are radially displaceable between retracted and extended positions, said means which connects the carriage to said coil securing means comprising drag links connected to said carriage and to said plates.
 3. A device as claimed in claim 2 comprising means for braking said mandrel when said drive is rotated. 